The Solution

Mickey Dietrich sought a green piping option for his family’s new home in Lowville, NY. “I wanted to make sure that I knew I did everything I possibly could to make sure my family had the safest living environment that I could provide for them, while at the same time, also making the home as energy efficient as possible and trying to do it on a budget,” he said.

In November 2009, he stumbled upon a unique and new-to-North America piping option while designing the 1,000-plus sq-ft home that would incorporate passive solar, geothermal, and other environmentally friendly features. “I didn’t want CPVC because of the solvents and glue that are needed. I didn’t want copper because of possible metals getting into the water and the expense. I didn’t want PEX piping because I had researched it and found that it could contain flame retardant and can affect the taste of the water you drink,” he recalled.